I've had plenty of Buick in the bay over the years, and the transmission and driveline complaints on these don't surprise me. 690 on the NHTSA record across 65 model-year entries (2005–2025) is not a fluke. The 2008 Buick Enclave leads the list but the pattern shows up across multiple years and models. Not a one-off. 27 crash reports and 7 injuries on the record. Severity is real, not theoretical. Repair exposure averages $2,500, which is meaningful money outside warranty. Across the 272 complaints reporting odometer mileage, the median failure lands at about 74,714 miles. Pull a transmission fluid sample if you can. Color and smell tell you more than mileage alone. If the fluid is dark or smells burnt, walk.
ProblemsByVin BUICK / POWERTRAIN
65 model-year entries · 2005–2025
Buick powertrain problems
690 owner complaints filed with NHTSA against Buick vehicles for powertrain issues. See powertrain across all makes →
Complaints
690
Recalls
0
Year-models
65
Avg fix
$2,500
27crashes
4fires
7injuries
Worst-affected Buick model-years for powertrain Top 25 by complaint volume
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
2008 Buick Enclave
119 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2011 Buick Regal
35 complaints · ~$2,500 severe
2011 Buick Enclave
33 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2009 Buick Enclave
23 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2010 Buick Enclave
22 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2014 Buick Enclave
18 complaints · ~$2,500 severe
2012 Buick LaCrosse
18 complaints · ~$2,500 severe
2011 Buick LaCrosse
18 complaints · ~$2,500 severe
2020 Buick Encore GX
15 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2018 Buick Enclave
15 complaints · ~$2,500 severe
2010 Buick LaCrosse
15 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2014 Buick Verano
13 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2006 Buick Lucerne
13 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2019 Buick Enclave
12 complaints · ~$2,500 severe
2013 Buick Verano
11 complaints · ~$2,500 severe
2012 Buick Enclave
11 complaints · ~$2,500 severe
2005 Buick Rendezvous
11 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2022 Buick Encore GX
10 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2021 Buick Encore GX
10 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2018 Buick Encore
10 complaints · ~$2,500 severe
2016 Buick Encore
10 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2013 Buick Enclave
10 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2005 Buick LaCrosse
10 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2019 Buick Encore
9 complaints · ~$2,500 severe
2017 Buick Envision
9 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
Common questions
How many Buick powertrain complaints are on file with NHTSA?
690 complaints across 65 model-year entries from 2005 to 2025. No active recall campaigns currently cover this category for Buick.
Which Buick model has the most powertrain complaints?
The 2008 Buick Enclave leads with 119 complaints in this category. Next: 2011 Regal (35) and 2011 Enclave (33).
What does it cost to fix Buick powertrain problems?
Independent shops average $2,500 for powertrain repairs across the Buick lineup. Dealer pricing tends to run twenty to forty percent higher. Specific cost depends on the failure mode and parts availability.
Are there Buick powertrain recalls?
No active NHTSA recalls currently cover powertrain issues on Buick vehicles. The complaints are owner-reported and have not risen to a manufacturer recall.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database.
Editorial commentary written by Mark Driver, an independent contributor to ProblemsByVin
and not affiliated with Buick.
Severity ratings derive from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities on the NHTSA complaint and recall record.
Repair cost averages reflect independent-shop pricing and may differ in your area.